Chapter 22
Chapter Twenty-Two
Lucas
After leaving the office, I stopped, picked up the food, and went up to the penthouse to change before heading down to Jenna’s. The moment I knocked on the door and she opened it, she grabbed the food bag from me.
“It’s about time. I’m starving!”
I let out a chuckle as I stepped inside and shut the door.
“Can you do me a favor and take the food out of the bag? I have to pee,” she asked.
“Sure.”
“If you want scotch, the bottle is in the corner by the sink.”
I grabbed the containers of food from the bag, and when I went to pull out a couple of plates from the cabinet, I noticed a picture hanging on the refrigerator. I took it off and held it in my hand as I stared at it.
“Did you—” She stopped when she saw the picture in my hand. “I was going to ask if you wanted to see it.”
“When did you have this done?”
“A week after you left. Pretty cool, huh?”
“Yeah. It is.” I placed the picture back on the refrigerator.
“The doctor said she looks perfect, and she’s growing right on schedule.”
“She?” I looked at her.
“Yeah. It’s a girl.”
“Wow.” I turned and took the plates to the table. “A girl.”
“Can I pour you that scotch?” she asked.
“Please do and make it a double.”
She set the glass of scotch down in front of me and took her seat.
“The reason I suggested dinner tonight was because I had a lot of time to think while I was away.”
“Okay,” she said. “But first, tell me where you went.” A smile crossed her lips.
“I rented a private lake house about an hour from Portland, Maine. It was beautiful and incredibly peaceful.”
“Sounds very relaxing. What did you do besides a lot of thinking?”
“I did a lot of fishing.”
She tried so hard to hold back the laughter but couldn’t.
“I’m sorry.” She laughed. “I just never figured you for a fishing guy.”
“I never was, and I’ve only fished once in my life with Danny. But there’s something to be said about being in the middle of a peaceful lake on a boat.”
“I guess so.” She pressed her lips together to avoid any further laughter.
“Okay. Okay.” I smiled. “You had your fun. While on that boat every day fishing, I did a lot of thinking about my father and our situation. I think I’m ready to be a father.”
“You think?” Her brow arched.
“I can’t make any promises, Jenna. It will take a lot to undo the damage inflicted upon me by my father. I can’t change overnight, but I will try to do my best. That’s all I can give you right now. But I promise I’ll always be here for you. If you need anything, all you have to do is ask.”
“I appreciate it, Lucas. But I’m fine on my own.”
“I know you are, and that’s what I admire the most about you. But you’re my friend, and I’m here for you.” The corners of my mouth curved upward. “I won’t let you go through this alone. That’s not the man I choose to be anymore.”
“It sounds to me like you found yourself,” she said.
“As I said, I had a lot of time to think.”
“I’m happy for you, Lucas. I truly am. Have you told your father any of this?”
“No. It’s none of his damn business. Whatever decisions I make are mine. I will no longer let him influence me.”
“I’m proud of you.” She smiled as she reached over and placed her hand on mine.
“Enough talk about me. Tell me what you’ve been up to the past couple of weeks besides working.”
“Actually.” She picked up her glass of water. “I went and saw my mom and dad last weekend.”
“Seriously?” I looked at her in shock. “How did it go?”
“They’re excited about the baby. We did a lot of talking, and there were a lot of tears. But for my daughter's sake, I needed to make amends with them. I can’t have any conflict in my life when she’s born.”
“I’m proud of you.” The corners of my mouth curved upward.
“Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. I have a confession to make and want to get it out of the way.”
“Okay. Lay it on me.” She grinned.
“I don’t know the first thing about babies.”
“Really?” She laughed. “That’s your confession?”
“Yes. Why do you think that’s so funny?”
“Because I already knew that. In fact, I’m pretty sure anyone who knows you knows that.” She continued to laugh. “Don’t worry. You’re not alone. I don’t have a clue about babies either.”
“Are you scared?” I asked her.
“You bet your ass I am. I’ve never been so scared about anything in my life.”
I picked up my glass and held it up.
“To us. Two scared friends who are having a baby and have no clue what they’re doing.”
Jenna picked up her glass and tapped it against mine. “And may we not screw up her life too much.” She smirked.
“How are you feeling?” I asked her.
“I’m feeling good.”
“I’m happy to hear that. And your hormones? Are they?—”
“If you’re asking if I’m horny, the answer is definitely, and oh my God, yes!”
The corners of my mouth curved upward as I stood up from my seat and held out my hand to her. That was exactly what I wanted to hear.
“As your friend, I feel it’s my obligation to help you out with that if you don’t mind. Remember, I’m here for you.”
“I appreciate your kindness.” She placed her hand in mine as I helped her up and led her to the bedroom. “My body appreciates it as well.”
“It’s my pleasure to help a friend in need.” I gave her a wink as my lips brushed against hers.